This year’s Victory Day parade in Russia was notably less grand than in the past, but it did introduce a new element: a North Korean army unit marched alongside Russian forces, proudly raising their flag.
Following the parade, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly met with North Korean officials, where the commander expressed gratitude to Russia, as per North Korea’s state-run KCNA news agency.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s **labor newspaper** featured a two-page photo spread on the event. Interestingly, Russian state media confirmed that this was the first time North Korea participated in the Victory Day festivities.
Victory Day marks the triumph over Nazi Germany during World War II. Throughout Putin’s governance, it has evolved into a deeply nationalistic occasion filled with political propaganda, portraying his administration as a worthy heir to those who defended the nation against the Nazis.
Typically, these parades serve as a platform for showcasing military strength and modern weapons. However, this year, there was a noticeable absence of heavy military hardware in Red Square, marking the first such occurrence in two decades. A significant portion of Russia’s military assets have been depleted in Ukraine or are otherwise engaged in the ongoing conflict that began under Putin in 2022.
Security concerns also shaped the parade’s scale. Fears about potential assaults from Ukraine’s advanced drones led to a reduced turnout. Although Ukrainian officials have stated they would refrain from targeting civilian events, uncertainty lingered until a short ceasefire was negotiated, allowing the parade to occur without disruption.
Putin’s appreciation for North Korea extended beyond their parade participation. North Korea has assisted Russia by supplying substantial quantities of munitions and has sent approximately 15,000 troops to aid in the Ukraine conflict. Reports suggest thousands of North Korean soldiers have suffered casualties.
Additionally, North Korea has reportedly reaped considerable financial rewards totaling around $13 billion from military supplies and mercenaries over the past three years, marking a major financial boost for its struggling economy, which sees an annual GDP of about $17 billion according to U.N. estimates.
Looking ahead, this financial support is expected to continue. Reports indicate that Moscow has likely spent over $600 million on bringing North Korean troops since late 2024.
Currently, about 10,000 of these troops remain engaged in frontline operations, supplemented by hundreds working with drones and logistics. South Korean lawmakers suggest another 30,000 soldiers could soon be dispatched.
In terms of compensation, North Korean soldiers earn around $2,000 monthly and receive a $10,000 “death benefit,” although the regime attempts to offset these modest wages with honors and support for the families of deceased service members.
The conflict in Ukraine has, in many ways, turned into a significant opportunity for North Korea, which had faced stringent international sanctions over its nuclear program. With Putin’s increasing spending on military involvement, analysts believe that trade with Russia could elevate North Korea’s economic growth to its highest rate in a decade.
Furthermore, the Victory Day parade might bolster Kim Jong Un’s quest for military credibility, visibly demonstrating the close ties between North Korea and Russia.
According to Yun Min-ho, a representative from South Korea’s Ministry of Unification, North Korea’s involvement in this year’s Victory Day celebrations emphasizes its military alliance with Russia.
